Workplace / Employment

Workplace and employment issues are a core priority for many immigrants and refugees. For a variety of reasons, immigrant and refugee workers often end up in low-wage jobs or in the underground economy. This can be due to being unable to transfer professional degrees or certifications, lack of English proficiency, or immigration status. For many, this also means they are more vulnerable to wage theft, working under unsafe conditions and trafficking.

Immigrant and refugee workers face myriad challenges at the workplace:

Wage theft: being paid less than minimum wage, no overtime or being mis-classified

Unsafe working conditions

Discrimination

Lack of job training

Trafficking

PICC is committed to combatting worker exploitation, and improving conditions for immigrant and refugee workers throughout Pennsylvania. Currently, PICC is a member of the Raise the Wage PA campaign, which advocates for a raise of the PA minimum wage to $10.10/hour.